Tag: DeLonghi EC702

Sick of killing your wallet for your favorite coffee? Don’t you think it might be better to make your favorite coffee in the comfort of your home and avoid the obnoxious busybody lines? But wait, are you worried it will break your bank to get a high-quality espresso machine?

Well, don’t worry! You’re not alone here. Most people are under the impression you have to be a trained barista to operate the complicated and expensive machines at the coffee shop. Those things must be over a $1000, right?

Now, don’t tell the coffee chains we told you this, but, there are several home brewers on the public market for $200 or less! And many of them do most, if not all, of the work for you!

Okay, now. I know what you’re thinking. What quality of machine can I buy for that little? Well, unfortunately, it won’t come fully automated or have very many advanced features, but that doesn’t mean it won’t give you the best home-brewed espresso. It will be especially excellent for a beginner to grasp the bases of home brewing.

What Can You Expect?

Okay, so at the $200 and under price mark, you are looking for a beginner’s machine. This means that you are just starting your journey into the world of espresso craft. There are some espresso machines for even less in some places, but, you must know, the lower the price marker goes, the more likely you are to run into some issues with inferior materials or missing features for your favorite beverage.

The wide range in prices is influenced by many factors, such as:

Differing levels of pressure

Amount of features

Level of customizability

User friendliness of the machine

For the best results at the beginning of your espresso making journey, we recommend that you buy a mid to high-quality coffee bean grinder to pair with your espresso machine. Pre-ground beans tend to lose flavor, aroma, and strength over time. Some work must be put in for a top-quality, economical, delicious espresso shot.

Top 5 Best Espresso Machine Under $200

Best Choice

DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker

Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machine

Mr. Coffee Cafe
Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Best Manual Espresso Machine

Flair Manual Espresso Maker

Best Pod Espresso Machine

Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machine

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine Option

Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker

Best Choice – DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker

The DeLonghi EC702 is a highly user-friendly espresso machine aimed towards newbies to the home coffee craft scene.

Looking for an affordable alternative to the Starbucks drive-through? DeLonghi made this machine for you with high quality and consistency in mind. Key features include a stainless steel boiler, separate steam and water thermostats, and a user-friendly button panel.

Brewing

DeLonghi takes all of the guesswork out of priming your machine with its convenient Preheat button. Once primed, fill the basket with either a pod or ground coffee, because yes, this one does both!

Once you’re locked and loaded, wait for the “OK” light to turn green and press Brew!

But don’t walk away just yet! This model does not have an autofill feature, so you will need to press Brew once more to stop the flow when your cup is filled to your desired level.

Steaming

Steam any milk or milk substitute of your choice with the press of a single button. The pitcher can steam up to 3.5 oz at a time. Just place the filled pitcher underneath the frother and turn the steaming knob counter-clockwise about half of a full turn before dipping the tip of the wand in the milk. While some consumers like to measure out the temperature to exactly 140F, many homebrewers are content with just the heating until they can feel the warmth of their desired intensity.

Display & Control

DeLonghi features a small and efficient panel on the front, left side of the machine. At the top, the Power button can be found, followed by Brew, and then Steam. Each button is coupled with a light to make it clear and easy to tell what features are ready for use. For the additional convenience of use, the steaming knob is located right above the frothing wand on the right side of the machine.

Additional Features

DeLonghi is a wonderful brand, and the model EC155 takes that a step farther. They have taken the liberty of adding a warming tray to warm the cups before actually adding the hot coffee, thus preventing possible cracks in a cold mug from sudden heat contact. The EC155 model also comes with a built-in plastic tamper for packing the espresso into the brewing cup. Some users, however, prefer to use the back of a spoon for a tighter pack.

How to Clean

To keep everything nice, shiny, and working smoothly, make sure to clean the drip tray, frothing wand, and group heads after every use. Starting to lose the “new machine” shine? Just wipe the exterior down using a damp cloth.

As for more periodical maintenance, around every 200 brews, make sure to clean the filter holder and the boiler outlet. If you live in an area with hard water, make sure to descale as well. For details on how to do this and the best supplies for the job, you are going to need to reference the user manual.

Pros

Dual filter, for use with pods or grounds

Pump driven system, for high levels of consistency

User-friendly interface

High-quality stainless steel boiler, for long-lasting durability

44 oz removable water tank, for easy filling and cleaning

Large drip tray compared to similar models

Built-in cup warmer

Frothing clip to help hold pitcher still

Self-primes in just 3 minutes

Cons

Cup clearance is only 2.75 in

Some inconsistencies in the brewing stream

The filter basket does not lock in place, so you must turn the lever to dump used coffee grounds

Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machine – Mr. Coffee Cafe

Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is the machine for those who wish to have coffee shop styled drinks, in the comfort, and affordability of their own homes. Streamlining the brewing process, Mr. Coffee saves time. And honestly, who has time to waste between waking up and that first cup of your favorite brew?

All you have to do is portion, tamp, and brew! Mr. Coffee even froths and steams the milk for you, while it brews! A dream come true for milky coffee lovers!

Key Features

15-bar pressurized pump, guaranteeing the thick crema and flavor that make espresso drinks the decadent treats they are

Adjustable cup clearance, using only a simple cup tray step for small espresso cups that can be pushed in for latte cups

Customizable volume control, giving the user the power to dictate their preferred water to espresso ratio for both single and double shots

Dishwasher-safe parts, saving even more time

Removable water reservoir, allowing for easy clean-up and quick fill-up

Removeable auto-frother, saving time by frothing while it brews and saving milk because leftovers can be stored in the fridge for the next day

Process of Coffee Making

Designed with an automatic milk frother, Mr. Coffee does much of the work for you here. All you have to do is load the machine and press the Start button.

Make Cappuccino

With a convenient Froth Control Knob, you have all of the options for a custom brew. There is also a cappuccino setting if you would like to try the standard blend. Want a larger cup for an all-nighter? Just press the Cappuccino button twice for a double.

Make Latte

Would you prefer to have a latte? There are also presets for those that work in the same way! Mr. Coffee thought of everything with this lovely espresso machine.

Want some more frothy steamed milk? Just hold down the Cappuccino button for 3 seconds to start the flow, and press again to end the flow when it’s milky enough for you.

This machine can also just be run to froth milk. Give that a try for your next hot cocoa or chai tea!

Brewing Performance

The 15-bar pump, which is well over the minimum for a delicious espresso, brews one cup per minute, thus making Mr. Coffee an excellent choice for families or those in a hurry!

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is a breeze! Everything but the filter and the water reservoir can go straight into the dishwasher. The other two parts only need a quick wash in warm water. Mr. Coffee keeps easy maintenance in mind when it comes to their designs!

Best Manual Espresso Machine – Flair Manual Espresso Maker

The cheapest high-quality, durable espresso maker is the Flair Manual Espresso Maker. However, as stated, this is a manual machine, so you will have to be more involved with the brewing process than with some other models.

Being a manual brewer, the Flair has a higher learning curve than the automatic brewers. Thankfully, there are instructional videos that can be viewed to aid new users with their first brewing, and of course, practice makes perfect. Once you have grasped the basics of the Flair, you can then begin experimenting with your very own custom brews.

Flair is the go-to eco-friendly machine because it doesn’t use batteries or electricity. Instead, the only things you need are your own two hands and a way to boil water.

The Flair is the perfect machine for campers who cannot live without their espresso in the morning: easy assembly and disassembly, easy to clean, and even quite the portable device. Anywhere you can heat water; you can use the Flair.

This unique machine features a stainless steel, removable, brewing head and easy to read instructions, as well as a carrying case, this can honestly be a very dependable machine. If you are an ecowarrior or just someone who loves brewing with your own two hands, this is the machine for you.

For a preview of the Nespresso VertuoLine Evoluo, check out the demo video link below to see it in action:

Cool, right? Now let’s get to the Nespresso’s review!

Patented Extraction Technology

Nespresso makes brewing easy, especially for espresso brewing newbies, with their patented technology called Centrifusion. Sound familiar, yeah? A centrifuge is what they use in a vast majority of medical labs to separate the different components of blood and stuff, but what does that have to do with coffee? Well, Nespresso’s technology takes brewing to a whole new level. As soon as you close the machine and start brewing, the pod rotates around 7,000 times per minute! The rotation infuses the coffee grounds and the water for a stronger brew, with a richer crema than ever before.

Features

Featuring a more modern design and shape, the Evoluo exclusively uses pods made for both espresso and large sizes. The pods bear a barcode on their rims that provide the machine with all the information needed for brewing what they are meant for automatically. This makes Evoluo the most automatic of the devices on this list.

Water Tank

With a 54 oz integrated water tank, I believe it is safe to say, the Evoluo more than makes up for the fact that it lacks a refill light. Due to the high tech, grooved design, some users have difficulty knowing exactly how much water remains in the tank, but this is a small con in light of some of the other features this machine has to offer.

Now, aside from its high tech design, this eco-friendly model also has a shut-off feature that will cause it to shut down after being idle for 9 minutes. No more wondering if you forgot to turn off the coffee machine after you have already gotten to work!

Controls and Use

With minimalist controls, the Evoluo bears only a power button. To turn off manually, just hold this down for 3 seconds. The brewing chamber is locked with a chromed latch for your convenience and safety, and it’s locking closes the circuit that powers the Centrefusion. Once the brewing has been completed, unlocking the latch causes the machine to drop the used pod into a built-in basket.

The unique design of the multi-leveled drip tray allows for a wide range of cup size. Instead of just allowing for latte or espresso, the Evoluo can accommodate everything from a demitasse to a travel mug!

Pros

High-quality brewing

Automated by bar code scan

Modern design

15 sec heating

Automatic shut off

Large used pod bin when compared to other machines of the same size

Cons

Need to purge air pockets before first use

Lower brewing temp than some other machines

Vertuoline pods only

Summary

If you are looking for an affordable machine that will blend with the modern kitchen, the Evoluo may be precisely what you were looking for. There are a few cons, of course, but that doesn’t mean they are necessarily deal breakers. I personally find the coffee this machine brews to be right at drinking temperature, so if you are also a person who usually has to let it cool first, this is the brewer for you.

The built-in barcode reader can read both coffee and espresso pods, making this perfect for the primary coffee drinker who wants to dabble with espresso mixes. For cappuccinos and lattes, however, you will need to buy a milk frother separately.

Can’t find your preferred espresso flavor made for the Evoluo yet, but really like the idea of pods? Try out the Nespresso Inissia! There are dozens of flavors for that model, and it can even use off brand pods for even more variety.

As you may be able to tell by this point, finding an affordable, milk frothing, and user-friendly home brewer is no simple task. The Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker is $200, and it combines all of these crucial features.

This machine has a built-in milk frother, meaning it is an all in one for any drink that starts with a shot or two or seven of espresso. This makes it the perfect kitchen accessory for the student or any human that has to be awake early in the morning or late at night.

Key Features

15-bar pressurized pump

Cup-warming plate

Dual-walled filter system

Thermoblock pump

Stainless steel design

Removable drip tray

28oz water tank

Ease of use

Boasting a low learning curve, the Breville ESP8XL only has a power light and a water heating light. Selecting your preferred brew is as simple as turning the dial to your choice. The only thing that needs careful maintenance is the drip tray. Make sure to keep that clean. It is removable, so a quick rinse with an occasional wash should be just fine. The water tank also features a window on the side so you can easily see when a refill is needed.

Good espresso

A well-made espresso can set the pace for a good day, and Breville makes sure to give you the best so that you can do your best. The company knows that temperature and pressure are the two most critical factors that make the difference in a great start to your day and a disappointment.

Compact Design

With dimensions of only 9x9x10, the Breville is a medium sized machine. With a polished stainless steel exterior, it looks professional and will be sure to keep its space on your counter for many years.

What else to expect

For your convenience, Breville includes two espresso cups and a frothing pitcher so that you can start brewing right out of the box. The user interface is also equipped with lights to let you know when the machine is heating and ready to brew.

Pros

Stainless Steel

15-bar pressurized pump

User-friendly interface

Dual wall filter for both easy brewing and quick frothing

Cons

Easily clogged filter

Low cup height clearance

Summary

User-friendly to even the most novice of us, the Breville Cafe Roma is a wonderful starter machine. It has all of the essential features and a simple interface. This machine includes a milk frother, making it an excellent choice for the latte and cappuccino lovers as well.

Which Machine to Pick?

Now that you have seen our top picks for under $200, you may be having a hard time choosing which one is for you. The truth is the only one who can tell you that is you. Consider your individual needs to help:

Where will you be keeping your machine?

How much space do you have?

Will you be traveling with it?

Do you prefer to use pods or grounds?

Do you need a milk frother?

If you need a frother, does it need to be automatic?

After you can answer these questions with certainty, you will have a much clearer picture of what sort of machine you need. Remember that we advise picking up a grinder if you are using grounds because these devices don’t start coming with their own grinders until the $500 range.

Whatever you find to be right for you, we are happy to help you start your home brewing journey.

For anyone who loves coffee, a latte machine is a necessary appliance in their home because of its easy-to-use functions and ability to create delicious drinks. These machines are practical and can make other types of coffee such as cappuccino and espresso.

It may be difficult to decide on which latte machine to buy due to the plethora of brands and their various options, all of which guarantee the best quality. The question remains, do these machines and products really differ, and if so, are some better than the rest? The following guide will help you determine which machines and products are for you.

Which Latte Machine to Choose for Home Use?

Because latte is made up of steam milk and espresso, you should begin by asking the two following questions:

Do I want to manually or automatically make espresso?

Do I want to manually or automatically make steam milk?

If your goal is to make delicious lattes at home without the hassle, then a latte machine that has the ability to make espresso and milk steam automatically is the best choice for you.

If you desire to perfect your espresso-making skills and latte designs, then a latte machine that has a manual function is the best for you. These machines allow you to make your own steam milk and espresso manually.

However, if you want to enjoy making beautiful latte designs but do not want the hassle of making your own espresso, then a machine that makes espresso automatically but has a manual setting for you to make your own steam milk is best.

Once you have chosen which type of latte machine you would like, based on the questions above, you can begin evaluating the cost of each of these machines.

Best Affordable Option – DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker

The EC702 is a machine that is typically found in coffee shops. These machines are sleek, easy to clean, and extremely durable due to their stainless-steel structure.

Additionally, the boiler is also made of stainless steel which provides uniform and fast heating when making the espresso. The pressure of this machine is higher than the required 9 BARs of pressure recommended for making espresso. At 15 BARs of pressure, this espresso maker creates high-quality shots of espresso and delicious crema.

Attached to the machine is a frother. The frother allows you to produce delightful cappuccinos with the thick foam it produces. This attachment is also nice and convenient because it is located on the side, unlike steam wands or nozzles that are typically found on the front of espresso machines. If you want to brew your espresso shot without the hindrance of these front nozzles and wands, this side-attached frother is definitely for you. If you prefer stand-alone frothers, we also have a buying guide for milk frothers here.

The EC702 is equipped with two built-in thermostats that control steam and espresso production separately. This feature is great because it allows you to brew both the milk steam and espresso shot simultaneously or consecutively. This makes the process quick and worry-free and entertaining guests a breeze.

Another great feature of this espresso machine is its dual function filter holder. This means that you no longer have to make a permanent choice between using espresso pods or ground coffee. The machine is compatible with E.S.E. pods, allowing for you to make a quick espresso, and has the ability to be loaded with fresh ground coffee for when you want to use fresh or specialty coffee. With the EC702 you can enjoy both whenever you like!

A convenient feature that allows you to skip the lengthy preparation is the self-priming function which makes brewing quick, convenient, and delicious.

This machine also comes equipped with a cup-warming tray which gives you that coffee-shop feel. This tray maintains the temperature of your coffee cups so that you can have a smooth, delightful espresso at any time.

Don’t be discouraged by the first terrible-tasting shots of espresso that you brew. The EC702, like all BAR pump machines, needs to be broken in before you will get that perfect shot of espresso. It is recommended that you brew at least three or four espressos with lower-quality coffee to pervade the filter and eliminate the taste of metal so often experienced when first using these stainless-steel machines.

Overall, the DeLonghi EC702 is a high-performing machine that brews wonderful espressos and cappuccinos. The great price, durability, frother, dual thermostats, dual filters, self-priming function, and cup-warming tray make this machine difficult to beat.

Pros

A durable, easy-to-use and easy-to-clean stainless-steel frame

A compact and sleek design

The option to customize drinks

A detachable tray – often unavailable on competing models

Cons

Best of Bests –

Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

This machine is one of the highest price options. However, it is a top-quality and highly-recommended machine. The machine is still cheaper than many high-end machines and offers many features and various functions that more expensive machines come equipped with and lower priced machines simply do not have.

The dual boiler system is this machines signature feature. Each boiler is designated to either steam milk or pull espresso shots. Along with its commercial design, this machine is top notch.

The dual boiler system also requires a sturdy and reliable build, temperature control, and advanced programming which makes the machine durable and built to last. Inside the stainless-steel boilers are electronic PID temperature gauges which are displayed and controlled on a built-in LCD screen on the front of the machine. The built-in LCD screen also has other controls which allow you to experiment with different temperatures and coffee blends to find that perfect flavor.

This machine gives you the experience of being your own barista by offering other amazing features which include the customizable pressure controls, auto-start up option, shot clock, pre-infusion setting, and controllable temperature gauges. Overall, this machine performs at a professional level and is built to last.

Pros

A beautiful, luxurious and durable design

A water tank with a large capacity

Customizable drink settings

A single unit that offers both extraction and steaming

An easy-to-use and easy-to-clean design

Cons

Best Semi-Automatic Option – Breville BES870BSXL Barista Express

This machine was listed as a 2017 best espresso machine for its easy-to-use settings for beginners as well as sophisticated and customizable controls for the espresso connoisseur and experienced barista. This model has been improved since its preceding version, the 860 XL, through a completely revamped design and more temperature control options.

Grinding is key to making an excellent espresso, which is why the BES870XL, with its burr grinders, is a great choice. These grinders allow for coffee beans to be ground within seconds and immediately used to prepare a delicious espresso. If you are searching for best burr grinders, don’t miss this post.

The pressurized filters that have a dual-wall design control pressure and extraction allowing for even the beginner to create amazing coffee. However, the machine also includes non-pressurized filters that have a separate, single-wall design that allow experienced baristas or espresso connoisseurs to experiment with different sizes of coffee grounds and amounts of coffee, as well as varying pressures.

Another improvement on this model is its thermocoil heating system which maintains water temperature, ensuring a great espresso every time. Additionally, this heating feature includes a function that allows you to pre-brew your coffee, creating that perfect distribution of coffee throughout.

Key Features

Burr grinder with a half-pound bean hopper: The conical shape allows for optimal extraction of flavor and maximizes the surface area of the grind to perfect each espresso.

Customizable grind size and amount: These controls allow you to adjust the grind setting from fine to rough and to choose how much coffee is in each espresso – giving you the ability to experiment and find your favorite espresso flavor.

Grinding cradle that is hands-free: This grinding cradle is fully automated so that the grinder stops when the required amount of coffee has been dispensed. It is easy to use and, once the portafilter is in the cradle, the ground coffee will be sent directly to the filter.

Additional features: This machine has a range of controls that allow you to fully customize your espresso-making experience. It can be set to use the single or double-wall filters so that, no matter which setting you have chosen, the correct amount of coffee will be dispensed.

Pros

Speed, without sacrificing great quality espresso

Durable and sturdy due to great construction with high-quality materials

The stainless-steel design stays clean and looks great

Gripped feet that stabilize the machine even when the burr grinder is in use, preventing movement

Easy-to-clean design with a hideaway compartment to store cleaning tools

Not only the compact design and beautiful, sleek, black color will convince you of this machines excellence, but its advanced features too.

This machine also offers a conical burr grinder with an impressive 1450 W motor that creates a full-flavored and smooth, powdered grind in seconds. Additionally, the grinder is customizable, allowing you to choose between a silky, powdered grind or a full-bodied, coarse grind.

The KRUPS bean hopper is sealed, which means less mess when grinding, but also keeps the ground coffee fresh. The hopper is conveniently located on top of the machine and has a large-capacity basin which allows you to grind coffee in advance.

Their patented thermoblock system preheats quickly and is completely customizable – only making you wait 60 seconds for that delicious hot latte.

The user-friendly control panel allows you to customize your machine through an LCD screen and various ergonomic knobs. Making the perfect espresso is as easy as pouring water into the detachable water basin, grinding some coffee beans, pressing a few buttons, and letting the machine work its magic.

The machine also comes with a frother and four cleaning accessories – a water filter, cleaning tablets, descaling powder, and a liquid cleaner.

Pros

Beautiful, compact design

Powerful, built-in grinder

Quick, automatic grinding and brewing

Easy-to-use and easy-to-clean design

Detachable tray, often not included with competing brands

Cons

How to Buy the Best Latte Machine

Durability

It is crucial to know the materials that were used to build your espresso maker if you do not want to have to frequently replace your machine. The best choice is stainless-steel metal because it is durable, built to last, and resists high temperatures which prevent overheating while BPA-free plastic may break easily and tends to overheat.

Capacity

Water tank capacity determines how much coffee you can make before having to refill the machine. The larger the tank, the more coffee that can be made and the less you will have to refill it. Depending on how much and how frequently you drink coffee, you may want a 60-ounce water tank or a smaller 40-ounce one. To help you make this decision, a 40-ounce tank will typically make five to seven cups of coffee, while a 60-ounce tank will produce ten to twelve.

Ease of Use

A user-friendly control panel is always a great option for beginners and coffee connoisseurs because it allows you to customize your coffee-making experience. An LCD display that shows time, temperature, shot volume, and other settings makes for an easy coffee-making experience. Clear and easy-to-use buttons and knobs are also useful when adjusting your machine to your preferences. Many models will also allow you to save your settings, enabling you to quickly make your coffee exactly the way you want it. It is important to keep these things in mind because beginners may find the complex, multiple filter systems to be confusing, while espresso connoisseurs may find limited settings frustrating.

Ease of Cleaning

A coffee machine has many parts that will need to be cleaned after many uses. Choosing a machine with an easy-to-clean design that has detachable and dishwasher safe parts makes the tedious task of cleaning a breeze.

Your Drink Preferences

The previously mentioned machines are mainly used for making espressos and lattes, but they can also be used to make cappuccinos, milk froth, and other coffee beverages. It is important to know what kind of coffee you typically drink so that you can choose the machine that is right for you.

The quality of coffee you prefer is also important when choosing a machine. If you prefer freshly ground coffee, then a built-in coffee grinder may be important. If you prefer cappuccinos, then a side-attached frother would be a great feature to have on your machine. No matter how you like your coffee, it is important to consider what aspects of a machine are important to you before investing in a machine.

Built-In Grinder or Not

A built-in coffee grinder is convenient, consumes less space in your kitchen, and is easy to store. A separate coffee grinder allows you to choose the strength of your grinder and may allow you to keep your coffee grounds fresher longer. No matter which grinder you choose, make sure you select one with a powerful motor and adjustable settings so that you can choose to grind coffee beans into a smooth powder or a coarser grind depending on your preferences.

Conclusion

Overall, the price of coffee-making machines ranges anywhere from $100 to $6000 dollars. Simple, easy-to-use coffee makers that do not have as many customizable features will cost less, while fully customizable machines typically cost much more. If you are looking for a machine that is built to last, consider spending a little more money for a durable, stainless-steel machine. Luckily, because of the high demand and multiple brands to choose from, you can find an affordable machine with plenty of automated features.

The DeLonghi EC702 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Maker is a great choice due to its low price and ability to make espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos. This $200-dollar machine includes a 44-ounce water tank, auto-stop functions, and an easy-to-use frother, making it an affordable choice for those seeking convenience and delicious coffee.

The Breville BES920XL Espresso Machine is a top-quality machine and highly recommended by us. It is still cheaper than many other high-end machines. This machine equipped with various features that only more expensive models have.